NStride® Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis – Frequently Asked Questions
nSTRIDE® (NStride) APS Injection – Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is designed to help you understand nSTRIDE® (also called NStride) Autologous Protein Solution (APS) injections for knee osteoarthritis. Dr Krishna will confirm whether it is suitable for you after assessment and review of your scans.
What is nSTRIDE® (NStride) APS?
nSTRIDE® is an autologous (from your own body) anti-inflammatory injection designed to help treat pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis by concentrating helpful proteins from your blood into a small volume that is injected back into the knee joint.
What does “autologous” mean?
Autologous means the treatment is made from your own blood, which is processed in clinic to concentrate specific proteins that may be beneficial for osteoarthritis symptoms.
How does nSTRIDE® work?
In osteoarthritis, inflammatory (“bad”) proteins can drive pain and cartilage wear. nSTRIDE® is designed to deliver higher levels of anti-inflammatory (“good”) proteins into the joint, helping to reduce inflammation and potentially improve pain and function; it also contains growth factors that may support joint health.
Is nSTRIDE® the same as PRP?
No. PRP is primarily platelet-focused. nSTRIDE® is an Autologous Protein Solution (APS) designed to concentrate anti-inflammatory proteins and other plasma components, aiming to target inflammation more directly than standard PRP preparations.
How many injections will I need?
nSTRIDE® is usually recommended as a single injection treatment, unlike many PRP protocols that may involve a course of injections.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
A blood sample is taken and processed using the nSTRIDE® system to produce a small volume (typically around 2–3 mL) of APS, which is then injected into the knee joint under sterile conditions.
When should I expect to notice improvement?
Some patients report improvement within 1–2 weeks, but response times vary and benefits can build gradually over the following weeks.
How long can the benefits last?
Published data suggests benefit may last up to around 24 months in some patients, and some studies report improvements persisting to 36 months in selected groups; individual results vary.
Who is most likely to benefit?
nSTRIDE® is generally considered most suitable for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, particularly when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, activity modification and standard medications.
Does it work for severe (bone-on-bone) arthritis?
It can still help some people with severe osteoarthritis, but response rates appear lower in advanced “grade 4” disease and benefits may be shorter-lived; Dr Krishna will discuss realistic expectations and alternatives if arthritis is very advanced.
Is nSTRIDE® safe?
Studies report a reassuring safety profile overall. Because the injection is prepared from your own blood, allergic reactions are not expected, but standard injection risks still apply.
What side effects can occur?
Possible side effects include bruising from the blood draw and temporary pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness or fluid in the knee after the injection; infection is rare but important to recognise early.
Who should NOT have nSTRIDE®?
nSTRIDE® is not used in people with systemic inflammatory conditions, active knee joint infection, or skin infection around the injection site, and it is not intended for patients with leukaemia, metastatic malignancy, or those receiving chemotherapy.
What should I do after the injection?
We usually recommend keeping activity lighter for around 14 days and not exceeding your pre-injection activity levels; Dr Krishna will give personalised guidance based on your symptoms and lifestyle.
Will nSTRIDE® cure my osteoarthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis cannot be “cured” by an injection. The aim is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function and quality of life, and help you stay active for longer.
What if it doesn’t help?
If you do not respond, we will review your diagnosis, imaging and contributing factors (such as biomechanics and muscle strength) and discuss other options, which may include physiotherapy optimisation, alternative injections, or referral for surgical opinion where appropriate.
When should I seek urgent advice after an injection?
If you develop worsening redness, heat, fever, increasing severe pain, or you feel unwell after the injection, please contact the clinic urgently or seek medical advice the same day to exclude infection.
To arrange an appointment or request further information, please contact Pain Spa at clinic@painspa.co.uk or via our website www.painspa.co.uk.
Important: This information is general guidance and does not replace a medical consultation. Dr Krishna will explain the procedure, benefits, limitations and risks in detail and answer any questions during your appointment.